EUROPEAN Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker took a swipe at Donald Trump minutes after the two leaders agreed to put an end to a looming trade war.

Speaking from the Centre for Strategic & International Studies in Washington moments after a joint press conference with Donald Trump, the EU leader warned Brussels will be ready to defend itself from future threats coming from the US.

Mr Juncker confirmed a new deal had been signed by both leaders on Wednesday that will prevent both nations from introducing new trade tariffs until negotiations are completed.

But the European Commission President took a swipe at President Trump as he vowed Brussels will defend itself "with all legal means" available against future unfair measures aimed at the European Union.

He said: “Europe will always have its hand outstretched to the United States.

“We will always look for areas where we can work together on a mutually beneficial basis.

He also announced the EU had agreed to increase American exports of liquefied natural gas and soybeans to Europe.

The US and European Commission Presidents discussed the implementation of 20 percent tariffs on EU steel and aluminium introduced last month as well as Mr Trump's threats to expand those measures to European cars.

The controversial move had left leaders throughout the bloc furious, with theEuropean Union threatening to retaliate with heavy tariffs of its own on the US.